From private sellers to “U-pull-it” junkyards, there are tons of places where you can find quality used engines for sale cheap. The key though is finding a quality used engine that will fit your car that’s close or nearby can be a challenge. That’s why My Auto Store has made it easy to shop for quality used engines by putting all of our inventory online, with free shipping to anywhere in the continental USA.
This allows our customers to shop for their replacement motor at the time & place they want to look for it. We also have a large inventory of used auto parts, making it more likely for our customers to find the engine they’re looking for. That means we’re more than likely to have the motor that you need for your car or truck, & a few options to choose from for most makes & models.
Once you’ve found the engine that you need for your vehicle, there are a few other things an engine buyer should consider before making a purchase. In this blog post, we will discuss what else to look for, after you’ve located the engine you need.
What To Look For
The best quality used engines are:
- Low mileage
- Free of damage from accidents
- Manufactured by the original company that made the engine for that car (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer)
While it may be tempting to save money and get an older, high-mileage engine, it’s not worth it in the long run. If you end up with a bad engine, you’ll have to pay to remove it and replace it a second time down the road. On the other hand, if it’s an old work truck that doesn’t get used much, a cheaper engine may be a better option.
With all of this to think about, finding a high-quality used engine may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Reputable used auto parts stores, like My Auto Store, make it easy to find the exact engine you need and get it shipped directly to your repair shop, saving you a trip to the U-pull junkyard.
How do I know if I’m getting a quality used engine?
Determining the quality of a used engine is difficult, even for expert mechanics. To be sure that you are getting the best quality used engine, make sure you buy one that meets the following four requirements:
- Less than 100,000 Miles – Engines with low mileage last longer than engines with high mileage. Used engines that have more than 100,000 miles probably aren’t worth installing in your car.
- Quality Tested – Just because an engine worked when the vehicle was disassembled doesn’t mean that it will run today. Make sure the engine is inspected and quality tested before you buy so you know you’re getting one that works.
- Warranty – A used engine warranty will cover you in case you get a bad part or it breaks within the first few months. Experts recommend a warranty of at least three months on used engines, but six months is ideal.
- Reputable Seller – Unfortunately, some people that buy and sell used car parts do not have good intentions. Only buy from companies who have proven that they are reputable by having years in the business. Check online reviews and do your research.
If the engine doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s a risky move. You could end up with an engine that doesn’t work as soon as you get it put in the car, or one that leaves you stranded on the side of the road.
Quality Used Engines vs New Engines
If cost wasn’t a factor, everyone would fix their car with brand-new parts. However, new auto parts, especially engines, are very expensive. In many cases, replacing a broken engine with a brand-new one costs more than the value of the vehicle.
Since most drivers can’t afford to upgrade or buy a new vehicle when their engine breaks, they’re left with three options when their engine stops working:
- Sell the car at a lower price because it is not running
- Have your mechanic try to fix the engine – this isn’t guaranteed
- Replace the bad engine with a quality used engine that is under warranty
Usually, finding a used engine for sale is the most cost-effective way to get your car back on the road. Used engines are also the better option if your car is older or has high mileage. Putting a new engine in an older car is rarely worth it because it is only a matter of time before other components start to fail, making your new engine useless.
How long do quality used engines last?
You can expect good quality used engines to last about 75,000 to 100,000 miles from the time of purchase.
Many factors determine how long a used engine will last, but you can get a rough estimate with a simple formula.
- Start with the average total lifespan of a car engine, 200,000 miles. If you subtract the mileage of the used engine from the average, you’ll be left with an estimate of how many more miles the engine will last.
- Then divide that number by how many miles you drive in a year (According to the US Department of Transportation, the average is 13,476).
- (200,000 – Current Mileage)/Miles Driven Per Year = Estimated Lifespan of Engine in Years
Keep in mind, mileage isn’t everything. Never buy an engine that hasn’t been quality tested and avoid sellers that don’t offer a warranty or won’t disclose where they got the engine.
Where can I find cheap engines for sale?
While you may be able to find an occasional deal from a private seller, the best place to find consistently cheap prices on used engines is a used auto parts store. Auto recyclers, like My Auto Store, carefully remove working parts of cars, test them to ensure quality, and safely store them in a climate-controlled environment until they are purchased.
Because it costs so much overhead, most private sellers usually skip these quality steps and what you see is what you get. If the engine doesn’t last, you are simply out of luck. It’s a much better idea to hold out for quality used engines that you know will last.
Does Craigslist have used engines for sale?
Yes, Craigslist has used engines for sale and every once in a while, you can get a really great deal. However, buying a used engine from Craigslist means that you may be buying it from a private seller, and that can be very risky.
- Private sellers rarely have the equipment or know-how to test the engine and make sure it works.
- They also lack the equipment to safely deliver it to your garage or your shop
- The used engines for sale on Craigslist are not guaranteed. If the engine dies, you have no way to recover your losses.
What if I can’t find quality used engines for sale near me?
If you’re searching “used engines near me” and you still can’t find what you need, you can always order one online and have it shipped directly to your repair shop. Online parts stores make it easy to find a part that will fit your car’s make, model, and year. Plus, some auto parts stores, like My Auto Store, offer free shipping directly to your garage or your mechanic’s shop.
What is the best place to buy used engines online?
The best place to buy used engines online is through a reputable parts recycler, like My Auto Store.
Auto recyclers that have years of experience in the business know what they’re doing when it comes to removing the auto parts from the car, testing them for quality, and safely storing them so they aren’t exposed to the elements. If you buy from a private seller, the condition and reliability of the engine are not guaranteed.
Fortunately, you can browse used engines for sale at My Auto Store with peace of mind. Every item, including engines, is inspected for quality and comes with a 6-month warranty. Check our online inventory and get your car, truck or SUV back on the road today.
